Culture – The Flamehttps://abtheflame.net
Tue, 14 Aug 2018 15:39:02 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8https://abtheflame.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngCulture – The Flamehttps://abtheflame.net
3232A window to different viewpointshttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/08/a-window-to-different-viewpoints/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/08/a-window-to-different-viewpoints/#respondMon, 13 Aug 2018 08:21:54 +0000https://abtheflame.net/?p=3546By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO PEOPLE have different responses to their surroundings; they also have varying perspectives on things. Lesley-Anne Cao’s “The hand, the secretary, a landscape” is a fitting example of this. On display from June 2 to Aug. 12 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cao’s first solo exhibition composed of unique …]]>

By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO

PEOPLE have different responses to their surroundings; they also have varying perspectives on things. Lesley-Anne Cao’s “The hand, the secretary, a landscape”is a fitting example of this. On display from June 2 to Aug. 12 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cao’s first solo exhibition composed of unique untitled artworks took center stage in a small and dimly-lit gallery.

photo by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

One of the eye-catching pieces was a large projector set up in the middle of the room that flashed a CCTV footage on the wall showing the top of a building. In the video, towering walls with glass windows enclosed a small shrubbery where various plants and branches grew. One could also notice the hints of movement provided by wind and light rain. This certainly leaves the viewer with various questions like “Why choose a setting with such a limited view?” or “What lies beyond those walls?” This is probably where one’s sense of sight and perspective come into play.

photo by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

Another unique piece from the exhibit was a medium-sized photograph of a human ear. What made it peculiar were the four stones cleverly positioned to fit the expanse of the person’s ear, as if they were earrings. Right beside this picture was a replica of an ear made of silicone, plastic, and rocks that are identical to the ones in the photograph. Again, it plays with the concept of how one looks at and processes things. How are the image and the replica different from one another? How are they the same? Is there a possibility that the “replica” is actually a real ear?

photo by SHANA ANGELA S. CERVANIA

A huge wooden crate positioned at the end of a hallway also challenged the viewer’s perspective. The crate’s contents were given emphasis by a beam of light, making one immediately curious as to what is inside it: a blanket embedded with miniature gold round bells. Unlike most art in the exhibit, there were two ways to view the blanket: to look down the crate, or to look up at the ceiling above it where a mirror reflected an image of the blanket.

“The hand, the secretary, a landscape,” although simple and quiet, tackled an idea that is not common when people look at art. It delved into the inner workings of one’s mind as different things can be seen in many ways. Most importantly, it reminded the viewers that how they feel things and how they view the world set them apart from others. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/08/a-window-to-different-viewpoints/feed/0Thrive, not merely survive, this new semesterhttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/08/thrive-not-merely-survive-this-new-semester/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/08/thrive-not-merely-survive-this-new-semester/#respondFri, 10 Aug 2018 11:05:51 +0000https://abtheflame.net/?p=3532By DOMINIQUE NATHANIELLE M. MULI AUGUST RAINS come with the wafting scent of a new semester. Artlet, you better be up on your toes in anticipation of all that’s in store this new academic year! Hardships may be constants in your life by now, but it’s never too late to grab the chance to go …]]>

By DOMINIQUE NATHANIELLE M. MULI

AUGUST RAINS come with the wafting scent of a new semester. Artlet, you better be up on your toes in anticipation of all that’s in store this new academic year! Hardships may be constants in your life by now, but it’s never too late to grab the chance to go further. Here’s how you can thrive this semester and ace college life in general:

Always be ready to adapt to changes

University life is like walking around blindfolded: you are never completely ready for the obstacles you might encounter. But fear not, because you have the power to adapt to any situation. While no one can master this ability in a snap, remember to be flexible in whatever circumstance your program puts you in.

One effective way to achieve this is to list down the habits and routines you would need to alter to meet the new semester’s demands. For example, if you used to binge watch four hours a day during summer, you should now split your time accordingly to stay productive.

Take care of yourself

Always remember to take a breather. How could you survive a semester without self-care?

In college, burnouts are inevitable, so you need to take care of yourself. You should condition yourself before diving into the storm that is school work and also reward yourself once in a while for completing tasks. Go eat your favorite dessert or read a book; chances are, you will also learn how to be happy independently.

Aim for growth

Pushing yourself to step out of your comfort zone is healthy if it will help you grow. Strive to be more fearless for the sake of exploration and self-growth and look at every experience as a win-win situation. You failed? You learn a new lesson to keep in mind. You succeeded? You gain the satisfaction of achieving what you aimed for. The promise of stepping out of your comfort zone is that you will see how far you have come and how much farther and higher you can go.

Create new bonds and memories

Friends come and go, professors will either leave a mark or no trace at all, and academics—when they become too stressful to handle—have the tendency to become the bane of a student’s existence. These are some reasons why you should join an organization.

Students who are part of organizations are able to build their confidence, communicate better, and widen their connections. Pick an organization that fits your hobby; it will not only serve as your outlet, but also as your diversion if you want a break from the stress of studying. You could even gain a new family.

Indeed, every semester is always full of never-ending tasks and interactions with different people. Make sure to enjoy your university experience by juggling your social life, extracurricular activities, family time, and of course, academics—the reason you went to university in the first place. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/08/thrive-not-merely-survive-this-new-semester/feed/0Tumba Tumba: Redefining children’s arthttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/07/tumba-tumba-redefining-childrens-art/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/07/tumba-tumba-redefining-childrens-art/#respondWed, 04 Jul 2018 18:09:25 +0000http://abtheflame.net/?p=3398By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines Vargas Museum opened its doors to “Tumba Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art,” a proof-of-concept show by the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development that put the spotlight on what life feels like for a child. It allowed visitors to be fully immersed …]]>

By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO

THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines Vargas Museum opened its doors to “Tumba Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art,” a proof-of-concept show by the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development that put the spotlight on what life feels like for a child. It allowed visitors to be fully immersed in that experience by focusing on fun and interactive activities as well as paintings, mechanical devices, and sculptures that surely delighted the young and old alike.

One of the interesting works of art is an untitled painting by Arvi Fetalvero that portrays a house with all its rooms depicted in an unusual manner. The rooms are jumbled up as if the house was designed by a child. One can see a small living room containing a staircase that passes through an upside-down lounge area and leads to a small room, which contains a small wardrobe as well as a staircase leading to a ten-seater dining table. Above the wardrobe is the bedroom and right above it is the door which is presumably the entrance to the house. Although the piece may be confusing and unconventional, it shows how imagination can play a role in any aspect of one’s life.

Daniel dela Cruz and Micah Alampay certainly outdid themselves with a mechanical device that was one of the exhibit’s top interactive crowd-pleasers. Their work, titled “The Longest Distance,” is made up of mixed metals that shows a man hunched over a bicycle. His figure is overpowered by a large glass clock that seems to be haunting him wherever he goes. Underneath the bicycle, there is a series of knobs and wheels that lead to a lever which controls the movement of the man and his bicycle. Viewers used this lever to make the entire device move and, in turn, help the man move along further in his journey.

When people speak of art and what it must portray, they look for emotion or a story that one can delve into while being in the presence of such an artwork. This is exactly what Iggy Rodriguez’s untitled painting shows its viewers. A small person is seen struggling under the weight of an enormous sleeping moon. Although the person seems to have large and strong hands that are capable of lifting this moon, his pain and struggle are still evident. This piece leaves the viewer asking a variety of questions: “Why is he carrying the moon?” “Where is he taking it?” and “What is the story behind this man’s journey?”

Not all childhoods are happy. One of the popular showpieces that was eagerly anticipated was the collection of untitled paintings and sculptures of Renato “Jojo” Barja Jr. His collection focused on children’s stories. One of the paintings portrays a young child wearing a school uniform– her eyes are wide, there are circles under her eyes, her hair is disheveled, and her uniform looks old and grimy. One might think that the work mirrors the reality that millions of children are deprived of their right to receive an education.

Barja alludes to another social issue with a piece that shows a child with very wide eyes, which are the trademark of all his paintings. The child has a terrified expression on her face while wearing an old hospital gown and an oxygen mask. It leads viewers to think about the health issues in the country.

While it is commendable to always strive to be mature, sometimes, it is also healthy to allow oneself to feel like a child at heart because there are so many beautiful things in store for those with simple and innocent souls. “Tumba Tumba” is a wonderful project that tackles the various problems being faced by children today. For sure, one left the show with a sense of fulfillment, many realizations, and a happy heart. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/07/tumba-tumba-redefining-childrens-art/feed/0Rising up as one at the 24th Metro Manila Pride Marchhttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/07/rising-up-as-one-at-the-24th-metro-manila-pride-march/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/07/rising-up-as-one-at-the-24th-metro-manila-pride-march/#respondSun, 01 Jul 2018 09:45:27 +0000http://abtheflame.net/?p=3393By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG RAINBOWS and smiles filled the Marikina Sports Complex on Saturday as around 15, 000 members—twice more than last year’s 7, 700—of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community gathered for the 24th Metro Manila Pride March. Members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community proudly donned their colorful …]]>

By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG

RAINBOWS and smiles filled the Marikina Sports Complex on Saturday as around 15, 000 members—twice more than last year’s 7, 700—of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community gathered for the 24th Metro Manila Pride March.

Members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community proudly donned their colorful and creative outfits as they checked out the booths at the Pride Fair and sung along to empowering music such as “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, “Break Free” by Ariana Grande, and “This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack.

Chants of “Happy Pride!” and solidarity speeches fired up the crowd and made them even more excited for the parade.

Vince Liban, a member of LAGABLAB Network, urged participants to continuously fight for equality and against discrimination.

LAGABLAB Network is a group of LGBTQIA+ organizations and individuals working towards achieving a society free from all forms of discrimination.

“Love is the antidote to fear. Hence, we need to rise up for love. We rise up for those fought and died for the struggle. We rise up for those who are yet to be born, for ourselves, for our families, and for those who cannot. We need to rise up together,” he said.

Liban added that people must recognize the discrimination and other struggles minorities such as the LGBTQIA+ face every day.

Rising up as one
Anchored on the theme “Rise Up Together,” this year’s pride march aimed to encourage people to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ cause and to do more to help forward its related advocacies.

“Walang maiiwan. Alam naman nating nowadays, we are easily divided. As a community, the LGBTQIA+ should really be rising up together as one and be happy,” event organizer Macky Llorente told the Flame.

Pride march participant Thea “Sage” Tabanao said she marches for greater representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in all fields.

“Don’t be scared,” she advises. “Fear may be one of the powerful emotions anyone can have, but love is a lot more powerful than that. Just remember that love is powerful.”

Indeed, Pride is a celebration of love and individuality.

However, there were some attendees who went to Pride to urge members of the LGBTQIA+ community to heed the teachings of the Bible.

The Metro Manila Pride March is the oldest Pride celebration in Asia. First staged in Quezon City in 1994, it is set to celebrate its 25th year in 2019. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/07/rising-up-as-one-at-the-24th-metro-manila-pride-march/feed/0Mixing romance and creativity this Valentine’s dayhttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/02/mixing-romance-and-creativity-this-valentines-day/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/02/mixing-romance-and-creativity-this-valentines-day/#respondTue, 13 Feb 2018 03:32:29 +0000http://abtheflame.net/?p=2986By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO VALENTINE’S DAY is fast approaching and it is that time of the year again when all the roses and chocolates make their way to center stage. Those who are celebrating Valentine’s Day are usually scrambling to think of last-minute date ideas to do with their significant other. Well, fear no …]]>

By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO

VALENTINE’S DAY is fast approaching and it is that time of the year again when all the roses and chocolates make their way to center stage. Those who are celebrating Valentine’s Day are usually scrambling to think of last-minute date ideas to do with their significant other. Well, fear no more because the Flame got you covered with a few fun ideas to do on Feb. 14.

Go on a picnic

photo grabbed from eharmony.co.uk.

Enjoy the February breeze and lay a blanket on one of the many parks the city has to offer. There is no doubt that a yummy and intimate picnic combined with the ambiance of being under a tree, while overlooking the sunset will capture that romantic moment that will surely be remembered.

Hop in the car and get out of town for the day! There are a lot of beautiful destinations right outside the city that are perfect for a romantic getaway. Visit the beautiful Taal Volcano in Tagaytay; go swimming in the beaches of Batangas; or visit a water park in Pampanga. These places will not only be a lot of fun, but they will surely make for a memorable date.

Chill at home

photo grabbed from Identity Magazine.

For those who are looking for a budget-friendly date and a nice laid-back activity with loved ones, why leave the comforts of home? Order some pizza, eat chocolate, watch a romance film (or any film that you like), bring out some board games, and unleash one’s inner laziness to a relaxed date while enjoying being at home.

Go to a themed restaurant

photos by KATHLEEN MAE I. GUERRERO.

Going out to eat dinner may be pretty common, but why not change it up a bit. Explore the city and dine to your not so usual go-to places. For animal lovers, dog and cat cafes have become popular these days. There are also restaurants in the city that feature different themes like well-known films, board games, or those that showcase artsy ambiance. A change of scenery from your usual carinderia and fast food chain will surely be an amazing date experience.

Unleash your inner kid-at-heart

photo grabbed from the official Facebook account of Ball Pit Manila.

Why not go on a mini-field trip to different places in the city offering experiences that will take you back to childhood? Going on a date to places like a ball pit room, trampoline park, a museum, or escape rooms are sure to create memorable experiences that will be loads of fun. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/02/mixing-romance-and-creativity-this-valentines-day/feed/0Savor authentic Japanese food at Hokusaihttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/02/savor-authentic-japanese-food-at-hokusai/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/02/savor-authentic-japanese-food-at-hokusai/#respondSun, 11 Feb 2018 11:54:03 +0000http://abtheflame.net/?p=2976By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG IT SEEMS that with a limited budget, it is difficult to dine at a restaurant which offers premier Japanese cuisine, but Hokusai surprises Japanese food lovers with their delectable yet affordable menu. Hokusai is often overlooked, with the number of food stalls located at P. Noval street, but it is surely …]]>

By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG

photo by MARIANNE LORRAINE M. SAMILING.

IT SEEMS that with a limited budget, it is difficult to dine at a restaurant which offers premier Japanese cuisine, but Hokusai surprises Japanese food lovers with their delectable yet affordable menu. Hokusai is often overlooked, with the number of food stalls located at P. Noval street, but it is surely a great find. The place is somewhat similar to traditional Japanese restaurants because of its compact space and minimal design.

Their appetizing menu makes up for the restaurant’s muted décor. Hokusai’s best-sellers, Tonkotsu Ramen and Rockin’ Roll is a great pair that will make one’s Japanese cravings satiated. Tonkotsu Ramen is a hearty combination of soup–pork and soy sauce broth-–and ramen noodles topped with a generous slice of pork, greens, and a soft-boiled egg. The ramen will surely lighten up someone feeling blue.

An all-time favorite is the Rockin’ Roll. The Ebi tempura makes the sushi roll crispy both on the inside and outside. The playful clash of savory, sweet, and sour flavors is a lovely quick-fix for Japanese snacks.

Alex Horfilla, co-owner of the restaurant, said that Hokusai was born out of his passion for everything Japan—from the country’s culture down to its people. He added that the name “Hokusai” was inspired by Katsushika Hokusai, a renowned Japanese artist.

The restaurant does a great job at introducing their customers to Japanese culture. They also offer dishes which are a fusion of Japanese and Filipino, making it not intimidating for the newcomers. Hokusai is perfect for those who love Japanese food and for those who want to try it. The meals which come at an affordable price are a bonus, too. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/02/savor-authentic-japanese-food-at-hokusai/feed/0A tasteful twist in monochromehttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/01/a-tasteful-twist-in-monochrome/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/01/a-tasteful-twist-in-monochrome/#respondSun, 28 Jan 2018 11:24:49 +0000http://abtheflame.net/?p=2900By ANGELA M. SE AS SOON as one enters the restaurant, one of the first things he/she would notice is the roasted chicken that hung right above the dispatching area, and for those who are well-versed with Chinese restaurants, this resembles the display of a roasted Peking duck. Located just a few blocks away from …]]>

By ANGELA M. SE

photo by CAMILLE JANE C. ESCUBIO

AS SOON as one enters the restaurant, one of the first things he/she would notice is the roasted chicken that hung right above the dispatching area, and for those who are well-versed with Chinese restaurants, this resembles the display of a roasted Peking duck.

Located just a few blocks away from the P. Noval gate of the University of Santo Tomas, Mr. Panda allows one to indulge him/herself with flavors adjusted to the Filipino taste but not losing the authenticity of Chinese cuisine. Although the restaurant aims to put up a true Chinese front to their customers, it is not “intimidatingly” Chinese as seen in its monochrome interior—veering away from the stereotypical red, or tangerine with gold schemed interiors.

The restaurant boasts itself with a variety of choices with hefty servings. But one of the game changers its owners developed is the option to combine two meals in one that comes with a free drink. Although its neighboring carenderias and establishments offer cheaper deals, Mr. Panda does not lag behind with its generous servings and highly accommodating staff.

Its top three best-sellers are: Garlic chicken with a special gravy; Sweet and sour pork smothered with the restaurant’s homemade sauce; and Pork Asado that is well-seasoned and seared just right to its tips. All these meals are served with a good mound of white rice hefty enough to fill a hungry student after a long and draggy morning, or even just to cap off the entire day at dinner. Completing these rice meals to a full-packed meal with drinks would not cost much.

The owner of Mr. Panda, Florencio Palce, envisioned the restaurant as a “Chinese restaurant for the Filipinos,” by making Chinese food more affordable, accessible, and most importantly, keeping it as authentic as possible.

Mr. Panda is a good restaurant to check out for those who have yet to try authentic Chinese cuisine or even those who simply miss their homemade Chinese food. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/01/a-tasteful-twist-in-monochrome/feed/0A better 2018 for Artletshttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/01/a-better-2018-for-artlets/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/01/a-better-2018-for-artlets/#respondWed, 24 Jan 2018 04:24:46 +0000http://abtheflame.net/?p=2874By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO and ANGELA M. SE A NEW year could bring hope and fulfillment to Artlets, and surely, most students already have a list of things they wish to accomplish this 2018. The Flame compiled the goals that some Artlets want to achieve this year. 1. Get better grades No matter what …]]>

By ALISHA DANIELLE M. GREGORIO and ANGELA M. SE

art by PAMELA GRACE J. YAP

A NEW year could bring hope and fulfillment to Artlets, and surely, most students already have a list of things they wish to accomplish this 2018. The Flame compiled the goals that some Artlets want to achieve this year.

1. Get better grades
No matter what program, this is always included in every student’s goals. Good grades are tickets—although not the most important—to the real world, remember.

2. Eat healthier and get fitHealth is wealth, but why not take the extra mile to get fit? Nothing beats the fulfillment of feeling and seeing how healthy one is. Living a healthy lifestyle will not only allow a person to perform better, but will also boost his/her confidence.

3. Be more motivated
May it be through a loved one, the diploma everyone wants so bad, or the simple thought of a secured future, inspirations are what Artlets seek to help them do better not just in school, but also in life.

4. Spend wisely and save more
Saving is a good practice, but it does not mean that one should deprive him/herself of the things he/she wants to do. Spending wisely involves good timing, and of course, knowing one’s priorities.

5. Dedicate more quality time with family and friends
Spend time in gimmicks or barkada trips but do not forget that quality time can also be as simple as having a staycation with a good movie line-up and some freshly cooked popcorn. After all, anything that makes one feel good and comfortable is quality time.

6. Be more active in organizations
Not everything can be taught in the classroom. A lot of students have responsibilities outside of their rooms, like an event to be organized, a performance to be executed, or a student council position to take care of. These do not merely make one’s resume look better but provides him/her with helpful experiences.

7. Travel
What better way to explore different cultures than to actually immerse oneself with them. Travelling is not just marveling at the sights one would see but also taking in a lot of great learnings about different people’s perspective in life.

8. Surround oneself with positivity
One thing that some people lack in life is positivity. Normally, when one has a more upbeat, optimistic thinking, this results to healthier mental capabilities and can help one to accomplish daily tasks more effectively, not to mention maintaining a pleasant demeanor will surely keep friends and family close.

9. Explore new hobbies and interest
Activities that are non-academic related is a must to lighten up the stress and pressure that school puts on a student. A creative outlet is encouraged so that there will be a balance between work and play.

10. Read more books aside from the required readings
Gaining new knowledge would not hurt anyone. Flipping through a couple of pages a day will surely be a healthy exercise that will also result in better academic performance, among other things.

It is one big year ahead for Artlets and for sure, seeing items in the bucket list get ticked off as the year goes by is something truly fulfilling. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2018/01/a-better-2018-for-artlets/feed/0Retrospective: Highlights of 2017https://abtheflame.net/culture/2017/12/retrospective-highlights-of-2017/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2017/12/retrospective-highlights-of-2017/#respondSun, 31 Dec 2017 09:09:19 +0000http://abtheflame.net/?p=2824By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG and CARLITO P. TOPACIO IT WAS a year of definite twists and turns for everyone; Filipinos were simply left thinking that 2017 was being “extra” with its roller-coaster ride. Moments of surprise, terror, and unity brought people together and somehow managed to make this year bearable. Now that 2017 is almost …]]>

By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG and CARLITO P. TOPACIO

art by JAMIE ANDREA L. TURALBA

IT WAS a year of definite twists and turns for everyone; Filipinos were simply left thinking that 2017 was being “extra” with its roller-coaster ride. Moments of surprise, terror, and unity brought people together and somehow managed to make this year bearable. Now that 2017 is almost coming to an end, the Flame presents some of the things that made this year eventful.

Vast landscape of television shows

This year made it exciting for people who love binge-watching television shows or Netflix series. Yes, fans still love and always come back for the humor Friends offer, but it is also great to see and learn from something new.

New series focusing on teenage drama and mystery, murder, satire, racial dialogue, and forms of authoritarianism made up for a vast and varied television of 2017. It gave people entertainment, lessons, and distractions from the real world. Among the new series that premiered in 2017 were Riverdale, The Handmaid’s Tale, Big Little Lies, Dear White People, Big Mouth, and One Day at a Time. Surely, it was both thrilling and eye-opening for the people who have watched it.

Donald Trump’s inauguration

When Donald Trump is not busy flipping properties, he flips the world of politics on its head instead. This real estate tycoon-turned-president sparked a number of controversies on Jan. 20 as he was inaugurated as leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world.

Often regarded as a polarizing figure, Trump made a name for himself through his brand, achievements, and scandals. While some view him as a xenophobic misogynist, others put him on a pedestal, claiming that he will make America great again. Regardless of how one views his impact in the world, for better or for worse, it is undeniable.

A beacon of hope

What may seem to be an insignificant glimmer in the sky might just become a beacon of hope for astronomers and space buffs across the globe. Feb. 22 marked a monumental discovery about the ultra-cool dwarf star known as TRAPPIST-1.

While the scientific community has been aware of the star’s existence for years, it was only recently that they discovered that seven planets were revolving around it. What makes it even more exciting was the fact that three of these planets were found on the Goldilocks Zone, making them suitable locations for liquid water which is a key requirement for life.

Conflict in the city

The Battle of Marawi brought terror and alarm in the Philippines as the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute group attacked and occupied buildings in Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur. The armed conflict started on May 23 and has resulted to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

Almost five months later, on Oct. 17, Filipinos were brought to relief when Duterte announced the liberation of Marawi from local and international terrorists following the death of IS-inspired leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. On Oct. 23, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the termination of all combat operations in Marawi.

A drug buy-bust busted

It was just a normal drug buy-bust operation for policemen, but for the whole country, it was a wake-up call. Aug. 16 was the faithful day 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos met his untimely and brutal end.

While the perpetrators raised points insinuating Kian’s potential involvement in the drug industry, a number of witnesses and pieces of evidence came into light showing that the young man may have been innocent. This caused a nation-wide uproar, opening the eyes of the masses to the potential injustices brought by extrajudicial killings.

Trouble in Paradise

A battle for the ages broke out in Paradise, Nevada. Dubbed as the biggest fight in combat sports history, two heavy-hitting figures in the world of athleticism went head to head in what could only be described as a sports enthusiast’s wet dream.

On Aug. 26, a light-middleweight boxing match between Connor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr. ensued. Attracting fans all around the globe, it became the second best-selling pay-per-view fight in history. By the end of round 10, Mayweather claimed his 50th victory in a row, edging out former Hall of Famer Rocky Marciano’s 49-0. Serving as Mayweather’s last match, this fight was a fitting end for a legendary athlete of his caliber.

An army of restless voices

Bereft of Kevlar and rifles, Sept. 21 was a skirmish unlike any other. With the streets as their battlefield, the brave activists of the Philippines waged a protest against corruption and injustices in the society through rallies and performance art.

It was a “Day of Protest,” a revolutionary holiday whose purpose was to serve as stage for the heralds of change, an event that served as a monumental victory for the muffled screams of yesterday. Protesters showed the ugly truths behind extrajudicial killings, the Duterte regime, the state of the nation, and historical revision of Ferdinand Marcos’ atrocities.

‘Partners for change’

Filipinos gave support—although some did not—as world leaders gathered in the Philippines for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. The country hosted the three-day event with the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” The region’s leaders and dialogue partners from Canada, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, the European Council, and the United Nations, discussed regional and international issues.

Among the accomplishments of the 31st ASEAN Summit was the signing of the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrants Workers.

Hashtag as a rally cry

Female solidarity and empowerment made waves online through the hashtag #MeToo in which women were encouraged to share their own stories of sexual harassment. The hashtag campaign started with the tweet of American actress Alyssa Milano who asked the victims of sexual harassment to reply “me too.” The tweet came after allegations of sexual assault were thrown at Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. In the local scene, indie bands like Sud and Jensen and the Flips were also called out by women for their sexual misconduct.

The #MeToo campaign shed light on the sensitive issue of sexual violence and showed every kind of face of sexual harassment—a famous actor, a fan-favorite band member, a co-worker, or a friend.

Something new for the crowd

The Mall of Asia Arena was once again filled with school spirit, cartwheels, stunts, and graceful dance moves by various universities’ cheering squads. The latest University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Cheerdance Competition was historic as the results showed. National University Pep Squad lost its supposed five-peat win to the Adamson Pep Squad, which claimed its first championship title.

University of Santo Tomas’ Salinggawi Dance Troupe bagged the second place while the University of the East Pep Squad landed third place. The University of the Philippines Pep Squad returned after not joining the competition during the previous season. It was quite a shock that the team placed sixth for they have always been included in the top three since 1995.

The year 2017 went out with a bang. From man’s greatest conquests and achievements to some of the worst occurrences in recent years, this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a new year approaches, may we all come together and look back on what has happened to us during the last months. May we learn from our mistakes, appreciate the journey we have trekked, and tackle the future head-on with this past year as our guide. F

]]>https://abtheflame.net/culture/2017/12/retrospective-highlights-of-2017/feed/0Millennials and a glimpse of publishing at #SCOUTxUSThttps://abtheflame.net/culture/2017/11/millennials-and-a-glimpse-of-publishing-at-scoutxust/
https://abtheflame.net/culture/2017/11/millennials-and-a-glimpse-of-publishing-at-scoutxust/#respondThu, 23 Nov 2017 06:15:42 +0000http://abtheflame.net/?p=2755By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG IT WAS an afternoon of creativity, lessons, and music as Scout magazine capped off their campus tour at the University of Santo Tomas on Monday. Students started their week with a blast as they played games with their squad, posed like cover models at the photo booth, and vent their emotions …]]>

By REYANNE LOUISSE AMPONG

photos by MIKAELA CECILLE S. SILVERIO

IT WAS an afternoon of creativity, lessons, and music as Scout magazine capped off their campus tour at the University of Santo Tomas on Monday.

Students started their week with a blast as they played games with their squad, posed like cover models at the photo booth, and vent their emotions out at the freedom wall. To soothe the members of the crowd and make them forget their “acads” for a while, bands like The Cohens, Luncheon, and Oh, Flamingo! electrified #SCOUTxUST.

More than entertainment, the event was a glimpse into the world of publishing as Lex Celera, editor in chief of the bi-monthly youth and culture magazine, shared some of his experiences and advice in the field.

The real deal in publishing

Celera shared that working in publishing is more than meeting celebrities or artists. “The groundwork of publishing is contacting everyone, making sure everything works.”

Students should not venture into publishing if they are not willing to adapt to their environment, Celera said.

“The thing about publishing is you have to either break with it or ignore it. And if you ignore it, talo ka,” he said.

Celera urged Thomasians to learn and grasp everything they can.

“As the millennial generation, […] you guys have so much potential,” he said, adding that the younger generation have the least to lose unlike the veterans, whom he claimed think they can neither adapt nor break the rules.

“People can live as bloggers; people can live as content creators. Publishing will stay, and you guys can make it better.” F